The Cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo are working together to develop a Regional Homelessness Strategy.
A recent report from Shelter WA found there was a growing number of people sleeping rough in the region and many more people either ‘couch surfing’ or living in insecure housing.
To assist in the preparation of a regional strategy, the Cities have engaged Ruah Community Services to collect relevant data that will identify the housing and support service requirements within the northern corridor.
Both Cities will also examine regional partnership opportunities, a targeted advocacy program, the establishment of a drop-in or resource centre and the identification of suitable locations for social housing.
Mayor Troy Pickard of Joondalup said the number of people sleeping rough within the two Cities had increased in recent months due to housing affordability and availability pressures.
“Access to housing is a basic human need and it is important that we work together as a community to tackle what is becoming an increasing problem in the northern corridor of the Perth metropolitan area. It is our humanitarian duty to do so.”
Mayor Tracey Roberts of Wanneroo said homelessness was no longer an issue just for inner Perth due to the decline in the State and National economy.
“Our Cities, like many community groups, are keen to work together to help provide support to those in need.”
Mayor Roberts said many families were suffering due to severe financial pressures.
“I have enormous respect for these parents, who despite the extremely challenging circumstances, try their utmost to keep their children in some sort of routine and still attending school.”
Mayor Pickard said redressing the incidence of homelessness and people sleeping rough required a whole-of-community response including from Government-funded specialist services, faith-based and community organisations, private industry and local government.
“We are facing a critical junction and need to adopt appropriate strategies and actively engage with relevant stakeholders to develop long-term strategies for preventing and responding to homelessness now in order to have long-lasting impacts in the future.”
Mayor Roberts said the Cities of Wanneroo and Joondalup had a social responsibility to act decisively and constructively on homelessness in the region.
“It is important to understand the circumstances facing our residents experiencing extreme hardship and finding themselves in vulnerable situations.
“There are many families who are on the verge of being homeless and that is why it is important that we work together on this issue, including providing support and access to services.”
Chantal Roberts, Executive Officer of Shelter WA, said the Cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo were at the forefront of positive approaches to addressing homelessness.
“While some other local governments are taking a punitive approach, by doing things like moving on people living in their cars, these local governments are leading by implementing strategies to address and prevent homelessness.
“An integrated strategy will make a real difference right across the spectrum of housing need.
“For example, local government can influence the availability of affordable housing, while a drop-in centre will be able to get people in touch with the support services they need to access housing or to avoid losing the housing they already have.”
